Dados do Trabalho

Título

Kinetoplastid infections in armadillos and anteaters (Mammalia; Cingulata and Pilosa) from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Introdução

The orders Cingulata and Pilosa are ancient hosts of South American trypanosomatids. The study of trypanosomatids has been improved by molecular techniques, which allow the detection of infection at low parasitic loads and of non-cultivable parasites.

Objetivo (s)

To describe kinetoplastid infections in armadillos and anteaters from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Material e Métodos

Blood samples from four armadillo species and the giant anteater were collected in the Pantanal and Cerrado biomes of Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, between 2011 and 2021 (in collaboration with the Wild Animal Conservation Institute - ICMBIO 27587; IBAMA 27587-8; CEUA LW81/12 and LW50/16). DNA from 144 blood clot samples was extracted using an ammonium acetate precipitation protocol. Molecular diagnosis was performed by Nested PCR targeting the 18S SSU rDNA. Positive samples were subjected to Sanger sequencing.

Resultados e Conclusão

Of the 144 samples tested, 47 (33%) yielded a PCR product of the expected size. The trypanosomatid infection was defined in 18 of 40 characterized samples (45%). Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi DTU TcII/VI was identified in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and the small southern-naked-tailed armadillo (Cabassous unicinctus squamicaudis), and DTU TcIII/V in two six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus). For the first time, infection by Trypanosoma dionisii and Trypanosoma janseni was identified in the giant anteater and giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus), species also found infected by Trypanosoma rangeli A/E. Two possible new Trypanosoma species were also detected: one more similar to Trypanosoma minasense in a giant anteater from the Pantanal and another more similar to a Trypanosoma species previously reported in a tick found on a giant anteater from the Cerrado. Surprisingly, DNA from Bodo sp. was detected in 22 samples of giant anteater and giant armadillo from the Pantanal and Cerrado. Recapture events demonstrated the maintenance of infections by Bodo sp. (n=4) for 7 to 26 months, reinforcing previous studies that suggest the capacity of such putative free-living protozoa to infect vertebrates. The present study demonstrated new hosts of different kinetoplastid species within Cingulata and Pilosa orders.

Palavras Chave

Cingulata; Pilosa; Pantanal; Cerrado; Trypanosoma sp.; Bodo sp.